From Collaboration to Celebration

Arise and their Businesses Shine in 2025

2025 was a landmark year for Arise Innovation Hubs, cementing their role as a catalyst for growth for innovative businesses in Essex. Delivering more than workspace, it provided a thriving ecosystem where ideas became impact.

Showcasing Innovation: Industry Events and Awards

Arise businesses made their mark in major industry platforms in 2025, demonstrating the strength and creativity in the hubs’ community:

Founders Live Cambridge: Several Arise-based companies, including C-Prio and Japeto AI took the stage to share their innovations, gaining visibility, feedback, and valuable investor connections. This exposure helped early-stage businesses build confidence and expand their networks.

Medilink Midlands Business Awards: This became a proud moment for Arise as multiple members, current and past, including Japeto AI, Aerial Icon, Blum Health and Sensory Design and Technology were shortlisted for their outstanding contributions to health and life sciences innovation.

These achievements underscore Arise’s commitment to supporting SMEs in gaining exposure, credibility, and industry recognition.

Community Building: Start-up Socials

2025 saw the launch of ARU’s Start-Up Socials. Hosted at Arise Chelmsford, these informal networking events connected entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry experts. Designed and ran by AREA (Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy) these gatherings created a vibrant community where ideas flowed freely, and early-stage and start-up businesses gained practical insights. For entrepreneurs navigating start-up challenges, these social events offered a unique opportunity to share experiences and access advice in a supportive environment.

Talent Development: Internships

Arise also introduced Undergraduate Research & Innovation Internships, offering six-week placements for students to work on real-world projects within Arise-based companies. This initiative not only provided businesses with fresh talent and innovative thinking but also gave students invaluable experience in high-growth sectors like digital tech and life sciences.

Thought Leadership: Breakthrough and Bio Integrates

Arise’s influence extended beyond its hubs.

Featured in the Winter edition of UKSPA’s Breakthrough Magazine under the theme “Ambitiously Essex”, Arise was celebrated for supporting over 70 businesses and helping create 280 jobs across Chelmsford and Harlow.

At Bio Integrates 2025, Arise Director Beverley Vaughan chaired a panel on biotech expansion, exploring infrastructure, funding, networks, and sustainability. These engagements positioned Arise as a thought leader and demonstrated its commitment to shaping the future of innovation.

In partnership with Medilink Midlands and supported by Innovate UK, Arise hosted a series of autumn/winter 2025/6 health tech events. Sessions focused on designing scalable digital tools aligned with the NHS’s 10‑Year Plan, featuring expert talks, lightning pitches from startups, regulatory guidance, and networking opportunities. All aimed at helping innovators move from concept to NHS deployment

Collaboration as a Growth Engine

Being part of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) means Arise businesses can access research expertise, student talent, and cutting-edge facilities. Encouraging businesses to take advance of these opportunities has remained central to Arise’s strategy.

Aerial Icon leveraged ARU’s academic support to develop VR-based mental health therapy tools, moving from concept to clinical testing.

Sensor collaborated with ARU researchers to refine advanced sensor technology for industrial applications, accelerating product development and market readiness.

Japeto AI worked closely with ARU and healthcare specialists to enhance its AI-driven MedTech platform, securing credibility and positioning for scale.

These examples demonstrate how collaboration within the Arise ecosystem transforms ideas into commercially viable solutions.

A Thriving Ecosystem for Ambitious SMEs

By year-end, Arise had supported a diverse portfolio of over 75 businesses, and nearly 300 local jobs. Helping them secure recognition, scale operations, and connect with investors and collaborators. Through community-building initiatives, sector leadership, and strategic partnerships, Arise reaffirmed its mission: to turn bold ideas into commercial success stories.

For SMEs in innovation, Arise provides a launchpad for collaboration and growth. As we look ahead to 2026, the message is clear: ambition and innovation thrive within Arise.